N. 21/2009

INFOSYLVA is an information service of news clippings provided by the FAO Forestry Information Centre with news on forestry in English, French and Spanish.

INFOSYLVA est un service d'information à partir de coupures de presse, mis à disposition par le Centre d'Information sur les Forêts de la FAO et qui fait le point de l'actualité dans ce secteur, en

anglais, français et espagnol.

INFOSYLVA es el servicio de información de recortes de prensa suministrado por el Centro de Informacion Forestal de la FAO con noticias sobre las actividades forestales, en inglés, francés y

español.

Forthcoming Events “Forests for the Future: Sustaining Society and the Environment” - XXIII 2010 IUFRO World Congress International Union of forest Research Organizations IUFRO - Seoul, Korea - 23 - 28 August, 2010 Conférence Annuelle de la Fondation pour La Coopération et Du Développement (FCD) 23 -27 Novembre 2009 - Le West Hotel Centre de Congrès - Londres, Royaumes Unies FAO Bosques, ese verde negocio Hace poco se llevó a cabo el VIII Congreso Forestal Mundial. Allá se debatió el futuro de nuestros bosques y los de todo el planeta. He aquí un resumen de lo que sucedió en esos días. Bosques sí, plantaciones forestales no Promovidas como "bosques cultivados", las plantaciones de monocultivos forestales avanzan sobre el bosque nativo y la pradera de Argentina, Brasil y Uruguay afectando el ambiente y la vida de las comunidades, afirman mujeres rurales. _________________________________________________________________________________ Press review/ Revue de presse/ Informe de prensa: 01 - 18 November 2009 Africa Africa must act to tackle water crisis, says report Africa's freshwater resources are under serious threat from climate change and urgent adaptation measures are needed.

Africa trade bust 'biggest ever' More than one tonne of ivory products has been seized in Africa's largest-ever international crackdown on wildlife crime. The operation, co-ordinated by Interpol and the Kenya Wildlife Service, led to the arrest of 57 illegal traders across five African nations. Central Africa's tropical Congo Basin was arid, treeless in late Jurassic The Congo Basin - with its massive, lush tropical rain forest - was far different 150 million to 200 million years ago. At that time Africa and South America were part of the single continent Gondwana. The Congo Basin was arid, with a small amount of seasonal rainfall, and few bushes or trees populated the landscape, according to a new geochemical analysis of rare ancient soils. Cinderella fruit: Wild delicacies become cash crops From chocolate berries to monkey oranges and gingerbread plums, Africa is the home of thousands of tasty fruits whose potential is ripe for the plucking. Crime rings boost ivory smuggling The last year has seen a major increase in the illegal ivory trade, with more involvement from organised crime. Researchers believe most of it is poached in West and Central Africa, while China is the main destination. Looking for clues in the ivory jungle At the opening news conference for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) meeting, Willem Wijnstekers gave more answers on ivory than anything else - in particular, on the question of whether even a very limited legal ivory trade would stimulate elephant poaching. NASA satellite image reveals extent of drought in East Africa A new image from NASA shows the severity of the drought in East Africa, which impacted Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia. Argentina La sequía, probable consecuencia de la deforestación La provincia de Córdoba, la más afectada por la sequía, perdió entre 1998 y 2002 casi el 3 por ciento de sus bosques con lo que se colocó por encima de otras como Salta, Chaco y Santiago del Estero, advirtió la ONG Funam. Para Greenpeace, la sequía es producto de la falta de planificación para la tala y el desmonte". Organizaciones piden que se apruebe ley provincial de bosques Manifestantes de Greenpace y de la Comisión de Ordenamiento Territorial de los Bosques Nativos de la provincia de Córdoba (Cotbn) reclamaron en la Legislatura. Australia Australian koalas fast declining, researchers say Australia's koalas have suffered a sharp population decline because of development, bushfires and global warming, and could vanish within decades. Koalas 'could face extinction' Australia's koalas could be wiped out within 30 years unless urgent action is taken to halt a decline in population, according to researchers. Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Swine flu hits remote Amazon tribe At least 1,000 members of a remote tribe in the Amazon region in Venezuela have been infected with H1N1 flu and seven have died, Survival International says. Botswana Banning wildlife hunting is a mistake An expert warned that the banning of hunting in preference to photographic safaris could have a devastating effect on the environment and the wildlife it is expected to preserve.

More water, less irritation for Kalahari wildlife It is about 2:30pm in the wildlife-rich wilderness of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) on this hot Tuesday. The soaring desert temperatures are taking their toll on the group of visitors to this spot, forcing everyone to use their handkerchiefs time and again to wipe off the buckets of sweat. Brazil Amazon deforestation 'record low' The rate of deforestation in the Amazon has dropped by 45% and is the lowest on record since monitoring began 21 years ago, Brazil's government says. Amazonie: le Brésil maintient l'objectif de réduire le déboisement de 80% Le gouvernement brésilien a maintenu mardi son objectif de réduire de 80% d'ici à 2020 la déforestation de l'Amazonie, grande responsable des émissions de CO2 du géant sud-américain. Baja la deforestación en el Amazonas La destrucción de la selva amazónica en Brasil cayó a su menor tasa anual en 21 años, dijo el Gobierno, de cara a la cumbre climática global en Copenhague. Brasil quiere cortar sus emisiones El gobierno brasileño anunció este viernes que pretende reducir las emisiones de gases causantes del efecto invernadero entre un 36,1% y un 38,9% antes de 2020. La deforestación sería culpable de gran parte de los gases emitidos en Brasil. Brasil reduce deforestación en Amazonia a menor nivel en 21 años La deforestación en la Amazonia brasileña entre agosto de 2008 y julio de 2009 registró 7.000 kilómetros cuadrados, su nivel más bajo en dos décadas, anunció el jueves el gobierno. Brazil celebrates 45% reduction in Amazon deforestation A police offensive and the global economic crisis have combined to produce the largest fall in more than 20 years. Brazil pledges deep emission cuts in 'political gesture' to rich nations Brazil will take proposals for voluntary reductions of 38-42% by 2020 to the Copenhagen climate change conference next month. Half of Brazil’s proposed cuts will come from a reduction in deforestation, while the remaining 20% relates to industry and farming. Brazil proposes carbon cut target The Brazilian government has announced that it aims to achieve a reduction of at least 36% on its carbon emissions by the year 2020. Much of the proposed reduction is expected to be achieved by improved protection of the Amazon. Brazil releases official Amazon deforestation figures for 2009 Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon fell nearly 46 percent to the lowest annual loss on record in 2009, reported the Brazilian government. Brazil says Amazon deforestation slowest in 21 years Destruction of the Amazon rain forest in Brazil has fallen to its lowest annual level in 21 years, in a boost to the country's green credentials ahead of a global climate summit. Deforestation plunged 45 percent in the year to July to 7,008 square kilometers (2,706 square miles), the lowest figure achieved since the National Institute of Space Studies began monitoring destruction of the world's largest forest in 1988. Brésil: la déforestation de l'Amazonie en recul de 45% sur un an L'Amazonie brésilienne, la plus grande forêt tropicale de la Terre, a perdu 7.000 km2 en un an, mais cela représente tout de même un ralentissement du déboisement de 45% par rapport à l'année précédente, a annoncé jeudi l'Institut national d'enquêtes spatiales (INPE). Common sense and the city: Jaime Lerner, Brazil's green revolutionary The ex-mayor of Curitiba used massive creativity and tiny budgets to create the world's greenest city.

Diary: Amazon road trip The Brazilian government is seeking to repave the almost impassable BR-319 route between Porto Velho and Manaus. But the plan is controversial because the 900km (560 mile) road cuts right through the Amazon rainforest. EU optimistic on climate deal after Brazil pledge Brazil's pledge to cut climate-warming emissions to 1994 levels over the next decade could help lead to a breakthrough at global climate talks next month, the head of the EU's executive body said. Among the world's biggest carbon polluters mostly due to deforestation, Brazil has become a major player in climate negotiations after years of rejecting such talks and saying the onus was entirely on rich countries to cut emissions. Forest CO2 projects could bring Brazil $16 bln Brazil could earn up to $16 billion per year to fund emissions reductions and Amazon rainforest protection by selling forest carbon credits, a Brazilian carbon markets expert said. La deforestación en el Amazonas llega al nivel más bajo jamás conseguido en 2009 Las tasas de deforestación en el Amazonas de Brasil ha descendido un 45,7% de agosto de 2008 a julio de 2009, según ha indicado hoy el Presidente de Brasil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Según los nuevos datos basados en el análisis de las imágenes por satélite realizadas por el National Institute for Space Research (INPE), se estima que se han despejado unos 7.008 kilómetros cuadrados de bosque en Brasil en el último periodo de tiempo de 12 meses, la cifra más baja desde que el gobierno comenzó a controlar la deforestación en el año 1988. La déforestation ralentit en Amazonie Le déboisement de la plus grande forêt tropicale du monde a reculé de 45% en un an, selon le Brésil. Lula aplaude caída en la deforestación El presidente de Brasil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, calificó de extraordinaria la noticia de que la tasa anual de deforestación de la selva amazónica ha caído casi a la mitad, el mayor descenso desde que se empezaron a llevar registros hace 21 años. Qu'est-il arrivé à la forêt amazonienne? Alors qu'on entendait beaucoup parler de la destruction de l'Amazonie, récemment, plus rien. Qu'est-il donc arrivé – l'a-t-on sauvée ou bien? Rainforest money doesn't grow on trees The fall in deforestation in Brazil is welcome, but our leaders must make a financial commitment to replicating this success. Registra Brasil menor deforestación de últimos 21 años La Amazonía brasileña perdió siete mil kilómetros cuadrados de floresta entre agosto de 2008 y julio pasado, lo que representa la menor tasa anual de deforestación en los últimos 21 años. Trucks, trains and trees Without a new system for economic development in the timber-rich tropics, the only Amazon your grandchildren will ever know ends in dot-com and sells books. Will Brazil's blackout drive a new push for more rainforest dams? The power outage that affected nearly a third of Brazil's population could be used by development interests to justify a renewed push for hydroelectric dams in the Amazon rainforest. Cambodia New crocodile hopes in Cambodia The discovery in Cambodia of rare Siamese crocodiles has excited conservationists Conservationists say there is fresh hope for one of the world's rarest reptiles. Canada Boreal forests store carbon, need help: Canada study

The world needs to do more to protect boreal forests and peatlands, which store more carbon than any other ecosystem and help mitigate the effects of climate change, a Canadian report said. Coupe d'arbres à Charlesbourg: le promoteur sommé d'arrêter La Ville de Québec a demandé une injonction pour que cesse la coupe d'arbres illégale faite par le promoteur du Domaine de la rivière des Roches à Charlesbourg. L’industrie forestière cesse sa contribution Les industriels cesseront de contribuer financièrement au Programme de mise en valeur de la forêt privée. Ce retrait du financement par l’industrie signifie une perte annuelle de 7 à 8 M$ dans les travaux sylvicoles, plantation et élagage. Une coupe d'arbres soulève la colère à Charlesbourg Depuis près d'un mois, le promoteur de l'ensemble résidentiel le Domaine de la rivière des Roches, à Charlesbourg, abat des arbres dans l'illégalité. Une situation qui soulève l'ire de citoyens, d'autant plus que la Ville est au fait de ces actes. China China seeds clouds in wheat-growing areas to ease drought Many Chinese wheat-growing provinces in the north seeded clouds over the weekend to help end a persistent drought and encourage the growth of winter wheat. La cobertura forestal de China alcanza el 20,36 por ciento del territorio Según anunció ayer la Administración Estatal de Silvicultura de China (SFA), la cobertura forestal del país alcanzó a finales de 2008 un 20,36 por ciento del territorio, cumpliendo con dos años de antelación la meta propuesta por el gobierno del 20 por ciento, prevista para finales de 2010. Landslide risk rises near Three Gorges Dam: report China's vast Three Gorges reservoir will see a increasing number of landslides and other geological hazards as the water reaches its maximum level this autumn. The gathering sandstorm: Encroaching desert, missing water China is losing a million acres a year to desertification. In Dunhuang, a former Silk Road oasis in the Gobi, the resulting water shortage has become critical. Colombia Using forests to finance conservation and communities in a former war zone: Colombia's Choco Violence in the Chocó is one reason why the region's ecosystems are in relatively good shape — armed conflict discouraged investment in the area. But waning guerrilla activity has ushered in commercial interest in the region leading to new conflicts between the traditional owners of land — indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities — and developers, notably ranchers and agribusiness. Côte d'Ivoire Gbagbo demande aux Ivoiriens de se mettre au gaz pour freiner le désert Le président ivoirien Laurent Gbagbo a invité ses compatriotes à abandonner le charbon de bois couramment utilisé pour la cuisine et à se mettre au gaz butane pour freiner l'avancée du désert qui menace ce pays tropical. Democratic Republic of the Congo Déforestation: le Congo-Kinshasa veut se faire entendre La République démocratique du Congo (RDC), qui possède le deuxième massif forestier tropical au monde, après le Brésil, vient de convaincre les bailleurs multilatéraux de débourser 300 000 dollars (200 000 euros) afin de lui permettre de disposer "des scénarios de déforestation possible au cours des vingt prochaines années". Le cabinet international McKinsey a été chargé de l'étude. Dominican Republic Cement mining puts Dominican Republic park at risk A cement mine, granted under questionable circumstances, is putting one the Caribbean's most important forest parks at risk.

Ecuador Colinas pierden el verde natural Con el pasar de los años el panorama que se observa en las colinas que circundan a Portoviejo es cada vez más triste y desolador, ya que el verde natural que las caracteriza se está perdiendo. Deforestación de colinas también causa problemas en la salud de las personas La deforestación de las colinas de Portoviejo, a más de provocar impactos ambientales y poner en riesgo a quienes viven en ellas, también afecta la salud de todos los ciudadanos. Deforestación y mal uso del suelo provoca escasez de lluvias Alarmante la situación del planeta, afectado en buena parte por la deforestación y la contaminación atmosférica; la falta de lluvias que atraviesa parte del continente americano es consecuencia de esta devastación. La agricultura y las construcciones ganan terreno en las colinas Freddy Arteaga, morador del Florón 7, está preocupado porque varias hectáreas de colinas han sido deforestadas por agricultores para poder sembrar en el invierno. Egypt Egypt speaks out on River Nile disagreement The Egyptian government yesterday said it was ready to cooperate with other eight countries under Nile Basin to resolve their disagreements on the usage and access of River Nile water. Finland Carpentry is facilitated by donated funds in Helsinki region schools In some twenty schools in the Helsinki region, carpentry is facilitated by funds donated by Metsähallitus to celebrate its 150th anniversary. Finnish paper company to sever ties with logging firm linked to rainforest destruction in Indonesia Finnish paper company UPM-Kymmene will stop buying paper pulp from Asia Pacific Resources International Holding Limited (APRIL) due to concerns over the company's poor environmental record, reports Greenpeace. Students came up with forest-related innovations Students were helped to come up with innovations in a seminar organised for the purpose in Rovaniemi. The best ideas will be developed further. France Forêt annexée en 1870: deux communes lorraines refont la guerre à l'Alsace Deux communes lorraines, Raon-sur-Plaine et Raon-lès-Leau, ont annoncé leur intention de saisir le tribunal administratif, afin de récupérer près de 2.000 hectares de forêts annexés par l?Allemagne en 1870, et jamais rendus en dépit du Traité de Versailles de 1919. Incendies de forêt: 5400 hectares de forêts détruits en Corse du Sud en 2009 Entre juillet et septembre, 152 incendies ont brûlé 5.412,5 hectares de végétation mais les feux de la vallée de la Gravone, au nord d'Ajaccio, des régions de Sartène et Aullène qui se sont déclarés simultanément le 23 juillet ont ravagé à eux seuls plus de 5.300 hectares soit 95,5% des surfaces parcourues. Gabon Ali Bongo veut s'attaquer au chômage au Gabon en relançant la filière bois Tournant ou simple effet d'annonce ? La décision du nouveau président gabonais, Ali Bongo, d'interdire dès 2010, l'exportation des grumes de bois, principale richesse du pays après le pétrole, afin de développer sa transformation sur place, sème la consternation parmi les industriels français du secteur. Guyana 250 millions de pétrodollars pour protéger la forêt Le Guyana, ou République coopérative du Guyana, est le seul État du Commonwealth situé en Amérique du Sud. Ce petit Etat, à ne pas confondre avec la Guyane française, va recevoir jusqu'à 250

millions de dollars de la Norvège d'ici à 2015 pour soutenir l'application de sa stratégie de développement économique à faibles émissions (Low Carbon Development Strategy) ; stratégie qui vise en particulier à protéger sa forêt. La biodiversité végétale de la Guyane est touchée par le réchauffement climatique Via la station de recherches du CNRS située sur les pentes de l'inselberg des Nouragues, les équipes ont procédé à un recensement des espèces végétales à la frange de la forêt pluviale guyanaise entre 1995 et 2005. L'étude révèle que la moitié des espèces rares ont disparu. Les chercheurs ont observé une carence du cycle de recrutement des espèces végétales : les stades juvéniles des arbres et arbustes sont les plus touchés, avec un quart des individus non renouvelés. Indonesia 40% of lowland forests in Sumatra and Indonesian Borneo cleared in 15 years Forty percent of lowland forests in Sumatra and Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo) were cleared from 1990 to 2005, reports a high resolution assessment of land cover change in Indonesia. Déforestation et agro-business: la forêt primaire de Papouasie en péril La déforestation et l'agro-business menacent de plus en plus les vastes forêts primaires de la Papouasie indonésienne, l'un des derniers espaces sauvages du monde, ont mis en garde cette semaine des scientifiques et des responsables politiques. Ecologistas denuncian la destrucción de los bosques de Indonesia Greenpeace: La deforestación en la zona es una importante causa de cambio climático y está vinculada al mercado de biocombustibles y productos papeleros en Europa. Greenpeace denuncia la destrucción de bosques en Indonesia 50 activistas de Greenpeace de todo el mundo, participan en una acción contra la deforestación en Indonesia. Indonesia defends converting peatlands to palm estates Indonesia will stick to a controversial plan to open peatlands for oil palm estates as it seeks to develop the economy despite protests from green groups that this type of land conversion speeds up climate change. Indonesia forestry laws curbing geothermal-industry Indonesia needs to relax its laws to make it easier to explore for geothermal energy in protected forests if it is going to meet a target of lifting electricity demand from renewables. Indonesian forests on frontline of climate debate With the approach of global climate talks in Copenhagen, activists are hoping to draw world attention to their fight to save the last tropical forests on Indonesia's Sumatra island. If successful, they believe they will slow global warming by preventing the carbon trapped in the forest's timbers and dense peat soils from being released through logging and clearing. Palm oil developers push into Indonesia's last frontier: Papua Oil palm developers in the Indonesian half of New Guinea are signing questionable deals that exploit local communities and put important forest ecosystems at risk. "Responsible" palm oil producers pledge not to develop endangered Sumatra rainforest Members of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), an initiative developing criteria to improve the environmental performance of palm oil, agreed to declare the Bukit Tigapuluh Ecosystem in Sumatra a 'high conservation value area'. The decision, voted on by RSPO General Assembly members at the group's annual meeting earlier this month in Kuala Lumpur, effectively bans oil palm development of the endangered forest ecosystem by RSPO members. Kenya Country roots for farmers in bid to increase forest cover The government is counting on farmers to increase Kenya's forest cover by up to 10 per cent -- the level it was at independence. Lined up are incentives such as loans at low interest rates and

endowments to motivate farmers to grow trees on their land to mitigate the effects of decades of deforestation. Planting the trees to achieve this level should take five years, it says. Eviction - security forces move into Mau The government will start evicting millions of squatters in Mau Forest. Hundreds of security officers have been sent to South Western Mau, the first part of the 400,000 hectare forest to be cleared of settlers. The government had given the settlers a deadline to leave peacefully. Forest guards evict settlers still in Mau The Kenyan Government has refuted claims that the evictions of settlers from the Mau Forest are inhuman. The government has not gone back on its word and those leaving the forest were provided with transport and food. Forest people may lose home in Kenyan plan Since time immemorial, the Ogiek have been Kenya’s traditional forest dwellers. They have stalked antelope with homemade bows, made medicine from leaves and trapped bees to produce honey, the golden elixir of the woods. They have struggled to survive the press of modernity, and many times they have been persecuted, driven from their forests and belittled as “dorobo,” a word meaning roughly people with no cattle. Somehow, they have always managed to survive. Govt to support evicted Mau settlers Settlers on a 19,000-hectare piece of the Mau Forest Complex will be the first to be ejected from Kenya's main water tower. Forestry and Wildlife minister Noah Wekesa said that about 1,500 families will be removed from their homes in the South Western Mau as efforts to rehabilitate the forest begin. The government said it will support the evictees for sometime as the transition occurs. Expulsion massive des squatters de la forêt de Mau Les squatters sont indésirables, même dans les forêts ! Le gouvernement kenyan chasse, depuis lundi 16 novembre, les sans-abris qui occupent la partie Sud-Ouest de la Mau, le principal complexe forestier du pays. En cause : la surexploitation de la zone, qui, en 20 ans, à perdu un quart de son couvert forestier. Kenya says makes climate effort before Copenhagen Kenya said it would work to restore tree cover and explore renewable energy options as its contribution to combating climate change ahead of next month's environmental summit in Copenhagen. Part of the effort will include a plan to save the Mau forest, one of the few remaining in the east African country, Prime Minister Raila Odinga said. Leaders faulted over evictions Kanu secretary-general Nick Salat and former health minister Paul Sang faulted the government for creating a humanitarian crisis by evicting settlers from Mau without compensation. Mau issue being handled badly The Mau Forest restoration plan has predictably given politicians a platform for power-play. Mau settlers troop out as forest force arrives The flow of illegal settlers out of Mau Forest started a day after the government deployed security officers ready to evict them. The settlers, frightened by the show of force and a history of brutal evictions, appealed to the government to give them alternative land even as they packed their belongings, ready to leave. MP seeks Raila report on Mau The debate over the restoration of the Mau Forest is set to find its way back to Parliament after Chepalungu MP Isaac Ruto asked for a statement from Prime Minister Raila Odinga over the matter. MPs urges govt to halt Mau evictions A Member of Parliament has called on the government to stop evicting Mau settlers until alternative land for their resettlement is acquired. Police to move into Mau as notice expires

Security personnel were mobilised for possible deployment into the Mau forest after the expiry of a two-week notice ordering illegal settlers to leave. To show that it was serious about getting the settlers out of the forest, the government mobilised a team of security officers for briefing at the Londiani Forest College. Relief in sight for evicted Mau squatters The Kenyan Government has started delivering food aid for squatters evicted from the Mau Forest. Special Programmes permanent secretary Ali Mohammed said maize, beans and vegetable oil worth Sh4.8 million were delivered to Kuresoi, Bureti and Bomet districts. Why it is important to save the water tower At 400,000 hectares, the Mau Complex forms the largest forest block in the country. It is also the largest single block of closed-canopy forest in East Africa. Why settlers are not keen to hand over title deeds The ongoing Mau evictions have been blamed for the lack of interest among settlers to surrender their title deeds. Only 15 documents have been received since the appeal was made three weeks ago. The government said moving settlers out of the Western Mau Complex might have discouraged villagers from returning their title deeds. Liberia Indiscriminate hunting, fishing threaten biodiversity 160 members of the Forest and Land Management Committees (FLMCs) and General Assemblies (GAs) of Nimopoh and Nitrian in Sinoe County identified indiscriminant hunting, fishing, slash & burn method of farming and animal trapping as the most common forms of human activities that directly affect the biodiversity of their forests and natural resources. Madagascar Conservationists double population of world's rarest duck in Madagascar Seventeen Madagascar pochard ducklings raised in captivity since Wildfowl and Wetland Trust took emergency action. Madagascar's lemurs in danger from political turmoil and 'timber mafia' Extinction fear as agencies halt aid to Madagascar. Loggers and poachers reverse conservation gains. Un photographe au secours de la forêt malgache Alors que les pays de la planète s’apprêtent à marchander à Copenhague leurs réductions respectives de gaz à effet de serre, des organisations et des sponsors collaborent notamment pour freiner la déforestation. Le photographe-vedette est allé visiter le projet que mène sa propre fondation avec le WWF et Air France. Malaysia Malaysia's oldest nomads struggle to find a home For thousands of years, Malaysia's nomadic Batek tribe have roamed the country's ancient tropical rainforests, completely at one with their natural habitat. But now the Batek's traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle is under severe threat from deforestation and development, and mainland Malaysia's last nomadic community may soon have no choice but to abandon their traditional life and settle down. New hope for world's biggest and weirdest flower Deep in the jungles of Southeast Asia blooms the world's biggest flower -- a massive fleshy orb designed by nature to attract insects by mimicking the colour and stench of rotting meat. Palm oil threatens Borneo's rarest cats Oil palm expansion is threatening Borneo's rarest wild cats, reports a new study based on three years of fieldwork and more than 17,000 camera trap nights. Studying cats in five locations—each with different environments—in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, researchers found that four of five cat species are threatened by habitat loss due to palm oil plantations. Mexico

A portrait of the Yucatán peninsula by RAVE Over the past few decades, the Yucatán peninsula has seen some of the highest deforestation rates in the world, in addition to forest fires and unsustainable development for tourism infrastructure. Namibia Ancient trees cut down illegally Hundreds of African Leadwood trees, illegally harvested four months ago in the Okombahe communal area, have been confiscated by the Directorate of Forestry. Niger Niger's giraffes stage a comeback The giraffe population of Niger, which was on the verge of extinction just 10 years ago, is now on the rise and moving into new habitats. Nigeria Developing a community through forest preservation As most forest reserves in the country continue to disappear, Augustine Osayande who was in Mambila plateau recently writes on the effort to bring back the Ngel-Nyaki montane forest to its natural form, which is also beneficial to the host community. Erosion - South East governors seek emergency declaration South-east governors were yesterday unanimous in their call on the Federal Government to declare the zone as an emergency for erosion intervention measures. The governors of the five states in the zone who spoke at the second day of the Senate retreat in Enugu, specifically proposed massive forestation projects in the zone to provide for sustainable land as well as comprehensive water channelization master plan to cater for future channelization. FG to engage states in afforestation The Federal Government has promised to actively engage states and local governments in the country in the implementation of the national afforestation programme of President Umaru Yar Adua. Forest reserve - women seek govt attention Women from Yelwa community of Mambila Plateau in Sarduna Local Government of Taraba state have called on the Federal and State Governments to give necessary attention to the Ngel-Nyaki forest reserve. Senators raise alarm over erosion menace in Abia The Senate Syndicate Group for Abia State says the level of erosion devastation in the area has called to question the proper utilisation of ecological funds in the country. South East governors raise alarm South East governors yesterday asked President Umaru Yar'Adua to declare an emergency on erosion and roads in the zone, warning that greater areas of the geopolitical zone would soon be cut off from other parts of the country, unless something urgent was done. Norway Norway offers Guyana up to $250mln to save forests Norway agreed to pay Guyana up to $250 million by 2015 to preserve forests in the South American nation as part of a scheme to slow climate change. Norway, which has led donor nations in slowing tropical deforestation with a budget of 3 billion Norwegian crowns ($530 million) a year, said it wanted to help Guyana maintain forests that cover 75 percent of its land. Norway to give Guyana up to $250M for rainforest conservation Norway will provide up to $250 million to Guyana as part of the South American country's effort to avoid emissions from deforestation. Under the terms of the agreement, signed today, Norway will put $30 million into Guyana's "REDD+" development fund. Subsequent payments — up to $250 million in total — would be contingent of Guyana's ability to avoid future deforestation. Panama Developer uses cover of national holiday to clear rainforest near Colon, Panama

On November 3rd, while Panamanians celebrated Independence Day Holidays, heavy machinery unexpectedly entered and began cutting down tropical forest and mangroves near Galeta outside of Colon, Panama. The latest clearing has been carried out "almost in secret during national holidays so there would be no reaction from the public or the media." Paraguay Ganadera niega deforestación y reitera que posee licencia La ganadera Yaguareté Porá reiteró que cuenta con licencia para trabajar en el departamento Alto Paraguay y al negar haber realizado una deforestación irracional en la zona rechazó acusaciones formuladas en su contra por representantes de ONGs locales. La tasa de deforestación en el Chaco supera a la del año pasado La deforestación avanza imparable en el Chaco; actualmente ya supera las 265.000 hectáreas, superficie que es superior al área deforestada durante el año pasado. En octubre el desmonte diario fue de unas 700 hectáreas. Peru Ancient Peruvian Nazca turned land to desert Lessons to be learned from Nazca civilisation, which exposed itself to floods after mass deforestation, research says. Brutal deforestación de Madre de Dios, sepultados en mercurio Bosques se convierten en desiertos por avance de la minería informal que extrae ilegalmente oro. Exigen regular compra y venta de mercurio que se usa para la extracción del preciado metal. Ingenieros de minas y ambientalistas sostienen que si se regulara la comercialización de este se resolvería en gran parte el problema de la minería ilegal y la destrucción de los bosques. Pero eso no ocurre: el mercurio se vende sin ningún control en las poblaciones que se encuentran alrededor de las zonas de extracción de Puno y Madre de Dios. Clearing oasis trees felled ancient Peru civilisation The ancient Peruvian Nazca people, famous for creating giant, elaborate lined images on a desert plateau that are visible from space, may have brought about their own destruction by cutting down trees that protected the land they lived on. Deforestation sped demise of Nasca in Peru: study The mysterious people who etched the "Nasca Lines" across deserts in Peru hastened their own demise by clearing forests 1,500 years ago. Ecosystem in Peru is losing a key ally Peruvians pose what might be a final challenge to the ecosystem supported by the giant huarango tree, which is coveted as a source of charcoal and firewood. La deforestación acabó con los nazcas La repentina desaparición de la antigua cultura nazca en Perú, hace 1.500 años, pudo haber estado vinculada a la tala de sus bosques y el daño que causaron a sus ecosistemas. Logging caused Nazca collapse The ancient Nazca people of Peru are famous for the lines they drew in the desert depicting strange animal forms. Nasca people of ancient Peru: forest clearances sealed civilization's downfall An ancient South American civilisation which disappeared around 1,500 years ago helped to cause its own demise by damaging the fragile ecosystem that held it in place, a study has found. Why the Nasca's big mistake was to cut down the huarango tree Clearing key trees left pre-Inca culture exposed to floods and drought. Rwanda Government loses $2.6 million on tree felling

It has been revealed that government loses over US$2.6m annually due to tree felling by 80 percent of the country's families who use firewood as fuel. Minister calls for proper management of forests The Minister of Natural Resources, Stanislas Kamanzi has called upon Rwandans to actively participate in planting trees and ensure proper management of the existing forests. Senegal Senegal's dream of a 'Green Wall' against the desert There is little to show for it apart from small acacia shrubs, but Senegal's leader believes in a Great Green Wall that will stem desertification across Africa from coast to coast. Spain 40,5 millones de euros en ayudas para la forestación de tierras agrarias en Extremadura La Consejería de Agricultura y Desarrollo Rural de Extremadura ha concedido ayudas por valor de 40,5 millones de euros a 298 agricultores y ganaderos extremeños para la primera forestación de tierras agrarias. Se trata de unas ayudas, enmarcadas en el Programa de Desarrollo Rural de Extremadura 2007-2013, que persiguen fomentar la implantación de nuevas masas forestales, adecuadas a los ecosistemas existentes, ayudando a la regeneración de las dehesas y otras masas forestales extremeñas. La producción de madera se triplicaría con una adecuada conservación del eucaliptal La producción de madera en Huelva podría triplicarse con una adecuada inversión y conservación del eucaliptal, según el responsable del área forestal del Grupo Ence en Andalucía, que denunció que más del 65% de la superficie poblada de eucaliptos está "practicamente abandonada". La sequía asola los encinares del oeste de Madrid La estampa en algunos municipios del suroeste madrileño puede parecer otoñal, pero los tonos marrones del monte no proceden de árboles de hoja caduca, sino de encinas que están perdiendo sus hojas debido a la sequía. Las altas temperaturas de este verano y las escasas lluvias de los últimos meses están detrás del estado en el que se encuentran miles de encinas en el suroeste de la Comunidad. En la zona están preocupados por la supervivencia de los ejemplares, algunos centenarios, y también los agentes forestales han alertado sobre esta situación. Monte Modelo Urbión establece las bases para crear un sistema de comercialización de madera que satisfaga a propietarios e industria La Asociación Monte Modelo Urbión (MMU) alerta una vez más sobre la preocupante situación que, en relación a las subastas de madera, está atravesando el sector forestal: sólo en la zona del Bosque Modelo Urbión, se han quedado en pie alrededor de 125.000m3 de madera al quedar desiertas las subastas o no salir por su escasa viabilidad. Suriname How rainforest shamans treat disease Ethnobotanists, people who study the relationship between plants and people, have long documented the extensive use of medicinal plants by indigenous shamans in places around the world, including the Amazon. But few have reported on the actual process by which traditional healers diagnose and treat disease. Uganda Biogas - the untapped resource in Uganda Deforestation is a rising problem in Uganda. It has led to very long drought seasons in central and south- western Uganda. Drought was unheard of about 15 to 20 years ago. In Uganda almost everybody uses firewood and wood charcoal, it is very scary and worrying that one day it may become a desert because of the deforestation going on everyday. Govt allocates Sh1 billion for tree planting The Government has released sh1b for a national tree planting drive, environment minister Maria Mutagamba has said. She said landslides and heavy rains were likely to become common and more disastrous in the mountainous areas, adding that this called for more tree planting.

Govt, donors give Sh3.2 billion for wetlands The Government, local and international agencies have earmarked $1.7m (about sh3.2b) for the protection of wetlands. The four-year project will benefit 15 districts around lakes Mburo, Nakivale, Bisina and Opeta in the south-west and the eastern parts of the country. Masaka wetlands at risk as 1,000 encroachers strike Encroachers have taken over at least 500 hectares of wetlands in Masaka District, destroying the fragile eco-system in the area. Environmental officers in Masaka District say more than 1,200 farmers have ignored calls to vacate the wetlands. 'Mount Elgon eviction has reduced us to beggars' "We have been reduced to begging from relatives and to migrate to urban areas where life is not safe. We were living in the mountain for more than 200 years. Transferring us means burying us, completely. We want to stay in our area and develop." These are the words of Mejje Christopher, a former parish chief who now lives as a squatter in Kisitu, almost 30 km from Kapchorwa district in eastern Uganda. He finds it hard to cope with life in the lowlands after his people, the Benet, were evicted from land apparently earmarked for reforestation in the Mount Elgon National Park. Museveni orders eviction of encroachers President Yoweri Museveni has directed water and environment minister Maria Mutagamba to immediately evict encroachers in all forest reserves. Museveni tells forest encroachers to vacate President Yoweri Museveni has directed the Ministry of Water and Environment to evict all the people who occupy land in forest reserves countrywide. Over 3,000 families settle in forests Over 3,500 families have encroached on forests in western Uganda since last year, a study by MPs has disclosed. The parliamentary committee on commissions, statutory and state enterprises conducted last month discovered that 3,000 families had occupied forests in Kibale district. Tree plantations - a plea for a more balanced debate In an article on pine trees published in The New Vision on October 26, a number of statements must have given readers' considerable cause for concern. It seems that 'exotic' and 'alien' tree species are responsible for most of Uganda's woes. If the 'experts' quoted in the story are to be believed then we must immediately stop all the tree planting efforts of the past few years at once. Trouble in the forests A new report has shown that the land on which the headquarters of the National Forestry Authority (NFA) is built has been given away to an investor, contrary to a presidential directive. United Kingdom Bosque Fantasma en Londres contra la deforestación Un gran cementerio de árboles ha sorprendido a los viandantes de Trafalgar Square. La emblemática plaza londinense ha amanecido con los grandes troncos de árboles muertos que conforman la muestra 'Bosque fantasma'. Se trata de la propuesta de la artista escocesa Angela Palmer para concienciar sobre la deforestación y las graves consecuencias que el cambio climático acarreará si no se toman medidas urgentes. Exposición de impresionantes troncos de árboles pretende concientizar sobre la deforestación La muestra consta de grandes troncos de árboles traídos desde África para mostrar el problema de la deforestación en el mundo. Ghost trees 'haunt' London square The stumps of 10 rainforest trees, complete with their roots, have been placed around Trafalgar Square to highlight the issue of deforestation. Giant ants' nests given special building protection Insects' towering structures will be safeguarded during timber removal process in Northumberland woodland.

GPS used to preserve ants' nests Conservationists in Northumberland have used satellite technology to pinpoint 69 rare ants' nests before work to fell thousands of trees begins. Top food firm switches to sustainable palm oil United Biscuits said that by mid-2010 it hopes that two-thirds of its palm oil will come from sources certified as sustainable. It hopes that 100 per cent of its oil will come from sustainable sources by the end of 2011. Un bosque fantasma en el corazón de Londres Un gran cementerio de árboles ha sorprendido a los viandantes de Trafalgar Square. La emblemática plaza londinense ha amanecido con los grandes troncos de árboles muertos que conforman la muestra 'Bosque fantasma'. Une "forêt fantôme" pour dénoncer la déforestation Les troncs de 10 immenses arbres ont été disposés à Trafalgar Square, en plein cœur de Londres pour dénoncer la déforestation. Ils viennent du Ghana, un pays qui a perdu 90 % de sa forêt tropicale durant les cinquante dernières années. Wildlife crime: Britain's killing fields They call us a nation of animal lovers, yet attacks on creatures in their natural habitats have more than doubled in a year. United Republic of Tanzania Goodbye, snows of Kilimanjaro The most recent survey among the ice fields atop Mount Kilimanjaro found that the ice atop Africa's most famous mountain could be gone in twenty years—and maybe even sooner. Mt. Kilimanjaro ice cap continues rapid retreat The ice atop Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania has continued to retreat rapidly, declining 26 percent since 2000. Yet the authors of the study reached no consensus on whether the melting could be attributed mainly to humanity’s role in warming the global climate. No ice on Kilimanjaro in near future A new study has just reinforced the fact that Mount Kilimanjaro icecap could be gone in less than two decades from now. Snow on Mt Kilimanjaro will vanish in 20 years, study shows New scientific evidence has proved that Mount Kilimanjaro's snow is melting fast. And there'll be severe consequences for local people who rely on the melt water runoff for irrigation and domestic use. Support worthy effort! Bush fires have been ravaging Mt Kilimanjaro, worsening the ecological disaster ravaging Africa's tallest mountain, with all manner of challenges. But there is now light at the end of the tunnel, with the installation by an Italian company of equipment to detect bush fires and illegal logging. United States of America Building with whole trees Roald Gundersen is an architect who may revolutionize the building industry. Climate change will burn Yosemite Wild fires within California's world famous Yosemite National Park are set to become more frequent and severe due to climate change. Disney commits $4 million to rainforest conservation in the Amazon, Congo The Walt Disney Company will invest $7 million in forest conservation projects in the U.S., the Congo Basin, and the Amazon in an effort to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

Disney to give $7 million to reforestation projects The Walt Disney Co said it will invest $7 million in forest conservation projects in the Amazon, Congo and United States as part of its effort to reduce emissions, waste and energy use as a corporation. Green is cool, but US land changes generally are not Most land-use changes occurring in the continental United States reduce vegetative cover and raise regional surface temperatures, says a new study. Lost there, felt here America should still lead such efforts as saving the rainforests. But China’s days as a global free-rider should be over. U.S. to review California water diversion rulings U.S. officials said they would reconsider new environmental mandates requiring California to divert water from drought-stricken farms and cities to help endangered fish in rivers and on the coast. Warming 'big threat' to Yosemite Wildfires within California's world famous Yosemite National Park could become more frequent and severe due to climate change, say scientists. Wolves keep forests nutrient-rich As hunting wolves is legal again in two American states, Montana and Idaho, researchers have discovered an important role these large predators play in creating nutrient hotspots in forest environments. Yemen Thirsty plant dries out Yemen More than half of this country’s scarce water is used to feed an addiction. Even as drought kills off Yemen’s crops, farmers in villages like this one are turning increasingly to a thirsty plant called qat, the leaves of which are chewed every day by most Yemeni men (and some women) for their mild narcotic effect. The farmers have little choice: qat is the only way to make a profit. Zimbabwe Poachers kill 200 rhinos Zimbabwe has lost about 200 rhinos to poachers in the last three years as locals increasingly network with international syndicates in the illegal trade of the horns. Two million trees planned Harare City Council in conjunction with its partners has embarked on an ambitious four-year greening project to plant two million trees as part of global efforts to address issues of climate change. World Amazon's low salt content keeps carbon emissions at bay Supposedly the most robust of the world's rain forests, the Amazon jungle suffers from "chronic malnutrition" due to a lack of salt. And that might not be a bad thing, because the carbon build-up spurred by lack of salt in some forests may be keeping our atmosphere cooler. Ancient high-altitude trees grow faster as temperatures rise Increasing temperatures at high altitudes are fueling the post-1950 growth spurt seen in bristlecone pines, the world's oldest trees, according to new research. Ants are friendly to some trees, but not others Tree-dwelling ants generally live in harmony with their arboreal hosts. But new research suggests that when they run out of space in their trees of choice, the ants can get destructive to neighboring trees. Ants can attack trees to make housing Plant ants generally live in harmony with their hosts, but a study finds that when the ants run out of space they can become destructive. Are global warming and deforestation too scary for Sesame Street?

Scaring kids might not be the best approach, but we shouldn't avoid talking about 'scary' subjects with children altogether. Asia governors endorse U.N. forest carbon scheme Six provincial governors from Indonesia, Laos and the Philippines backed an expanded U.N. scheme aimed at protecting and conserving forests in return for carbon credits. Big profit from nature protection Money invested in protecting nature can bring huge financial returns, according to a major investigation into the costs and benefits of the natural world. It says money ploughed into protecting wetlands, coral reefs and forests can bring a hundredfold return on capital. Cell phones become handheld tools for global development Computer scientists have used Android, the open-source mobile operating system championed by Google, to turn a cell phone into a versatile data-collection device. Organizations that want a fully customizable way to, say, snap pictures of a deforested area, add the location coordinates and instantly submit that information to a global environmental database now have a flexible and free way to do it. Climate change gives ancient trees growth spurt Rising temperatures are causing some of the oldest trees on Earth to grow faster, new research suggests. But the change might not benefit the climate – it may simply cause the trees to die more quickly. CO2 from forest destruction overestimated – study The carbon dioxide emissions caused by the destruction of tropical forests have been significantly overestimated, according to a new study. The work could undermine attempts to pay poor countries to protect forests as a cost-effective way to tackle global warming. Coastal habitats may sequester 50 times more carbon than tropical forests by area Highly endangered coastal habitats are incredibly effective in sequestering carbon and locking it away in soil, according to a new paper in a report by the IUCN. The paper attests that coastal habitats—such as mangroves, sea grasses, and salt marhses—sequester as much as 50 times the amount of carbon in their soil per hectare as tropical forest. Conservationists do 'deal with the devil' to save orang-utans Wildlife campaigners have made "a deal with the devil" in a bid to save the orang-utan from being driven into extinction. They have teamed up with the palm-oil industry, widely condemned by conservationists for causing devastation to orang-utans. Declaration calls for more wilderness protected areas to combat global warming The 9th World Wilderness Congress (WILD9) has released a declaration that calls for increasing wilderness protections in an effort to mitigate climate change. The declaration, which is signed by a number of influential organizations, argues that wilderness areas—both terrestrial and marine—act as carbon sinks, while preserving biodiversity and vital ecosystem services. Disney s'implique dans la préservation des forêts Disney a annoncé un investissement de près de 7 millions de dollars dans des projets de conservation de forêts en Amazonie, au Congo et aux États-Unis. Ecological benefits of REDD boosted by inclusion of private landowners, potentially harmed by plantations Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation [REDD] programs that include landowners will conserve more habitat and ensure greater ecosystem services function than programs that focus solely on protected areas. El cambio climático y los bosques: ¿una verdad incómoda? Los bosques se presentan habitualmente como sumideros naturales de CO2 y, en consecuencia, como mitigadores del efecto invernadero. A las puertas de la cumbre de Copenhague las evidencias científicas aconsejan revisar algunos tópicos.

El rol de la selva en la lucha climática sufre el desacuerdo en otras cuestiones La negociación sobre la reducción de emisiones procedentes de la deforestación, en la que Brasil desempeña un papel clave, avanzó en la vía hacia Copenhague pero su éxito se verá mermado si no se logran acuerdos en las otras cuestiones sobre la mesa, advierten los expertos. Emissions from deforestation overestimated; 12% rather than 17% Greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation are lower than previously believed, according to a new study published in Nature Geoscience. The findings mean that developing countries may see less money under Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation, a proposed climate change mitigation mechanism. EU is 2nd largest source of peat emissions after Indonesia, finds global peat survey The EU is the world's second largest source of carbon dioxide emissions from peatlands drainage, after Indonesia. Forest protection hinges on 10-word phrase Developing nations could end up being paid billions of dollars to raze rainforests and build palm oil plantations in their place if the current text of the Copenhagen climate treaty sticks, a group of advocates warned at the United Nations climate talks. Forestry talks end in toothless pact in Barcelona Hopes for a strong global deal that would pay poor nations to stop deforestation hit a new low after negotiators released a draft proposal that lacks teeth. The new text on reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation, or REDD, contains no international rules to enforce forest protection in countries that would get billions of dollars to implement REDD. Forests in the desert: the answer to climate change? Climate change could be cancelled out in a staggeringly ambitious plan to plant the Sahara desert and Australian outback with trees. Global warming threatens desert life A new study found that as deserts become hotter their soil releases nitrogen, a gas vital for life. Losses of nitrogen in these arid environments, scientists believe, will result in a loss of plant life, since nitrogen is second only to water in determining the amount of life in a desert. Gucci drops APP in pledge to save rainforests One of the world's largest and most prestigious fashion brands has stated it will stop sourcing paper from Indonesian forests and will drop Asia Pulp and Paper (APP) as a supplier, which has become notorious for tropical deforestation. Gucci joins other fashion players in committing to protect rainforests The Rainforest Action Network announced on November 3 that the Gucci Group - which includes fashion houses Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, and Balenciaga - has joined a growing list of major companies who are pledging to change their paper policies. Hunting across Southeast Asia weakens forests' survival In the Southeast Asian tropics an astounding 80 percent of seeds are spread not by wind, but by animals: birds, bats, rodents, even elephants. But in a region where animals of all shapes and sizes are being wiped out by uncontrolled hunting and poaching—what will the forests of the future look like? Impasse over palm oil emissions at RSPO meeting Environmentalists and palm oil producers meeting at the annual Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) were locked in an impasse over how to account for emissions from converting forests and peatlands to oil palm plantations. Important safeguards to protect rainforests lacking in REDD negotiating text

Important safeguards to protect natural forests are still lacking in negotiating text on REDD, a proposed mechanism for mitigating climate change by paying developing countries to keep trees standing. Investment in ecosystems will reap rewards: UNEP Nations that take into account natural resources in their investment strategies will have higher rates of return and stronger economies, a report backed by the United Nations' Environment Programme said. With less than one month until a U.N. climate summit in Copenhagen, the report urges policymakers to reform their economic policies to stop the destruction of natural resources such as forests and oceans. La antropóloga Jane Goodall hace un llamado para detener la deforestación La antropóloga inglesa Jane Goodall lamentó la destrucción de bosques para construir edificios y viviendas. "Cada vez que viajo, me he dado cuenta que le estamos haciendo un daño al planeta. Nosotros, que tenemos el intelecto, estamos contaminando el aire, la tierra y el agua". La Onu amenaza las especies El plan de la ONU, que será debatido en Copenhague, podría salvar algunas especies y poner en peligro a otras, según los investigadores. Bajo el plan, llamado REDD (Reducción de Emisiones por Deforestación y Degradación), los países pobres recibirán fondos para proteger sus árboles e intentar reducir sus emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero. Los científicos advirtieron que el mercado podría apuntar a bosques que son baratos de proteger y ricos en carbono, dejando de lado los que poseen menos CO2 pero más animales y plantas bajo amenaza de extinción. Las micorrizas permiten un mayor éxito en la reforestación de los bosques Un estudio da las claves para lograr un mayor éxito en la recuperación de los bosques usando plantas inoculadas con hongos. Estas plantas asociadas a hongos, micorrizas, presenta una menor mortalidad y permiten que se regenere antes. Los resultados de este estudio han demostrado que la recuperación de los bosques del sur de Brasil con este tipo de plantas asociadas a hongos es más rápida que la observada utilizando plantas sin asociar a hongos. Las plagas forestales modifican su comportamiento La procesionaria del pino, la más importante de los pinares mediterráneos, se ha situado en los 1.800 metros y se ha extendido la plaga que sufren las encinas, que técnicamente se conoce como 'Kermococcus vermilio'. Las observaciones constatan que hasta 1985, la procesionaria del pino normalmente estaba presente por encima de los 1.400 metros por encima del nivel del mar y, a causa del clima, no causaba problemas o defoliaciones en los pinos. Les forêts nordiques sont plus bénéfiques pour le climat Les projets de compensation de carbone se seraient-ils trompés d’adresse ? Contrairement à ce qui était communément admis, les zones tropicales ne seraient pas les plus intéressantes à reboiser pour lutter contre le changement climatique. Il vaudrait mieux cibler certaines zones nordiques. Et encore, pas toujours... Los bosques y océanos siguen absorbiendo CO2 de forma invariable Los bosques y los océanos tienen una capacidad mayor de lo que se pensaba de absorber las emisiones de dióxido de carbono (CO2), según un estudio que contradice las previsiones más pesimistas al respecto. New report: boreal forests contain more carbon than tropical forest per hectare A new report states that boreal forests store nearly twice as much carbon as tropical forests per hectare: a fact which researchers say should make the conservation of boreal forests as important as tropical in climate change negotiations. New water management tool may help ease effects of drought Continued improvement of climate forecasts is resulting in better information about what rainfall and streamflow may look like months in advance. A researcher from North Carolina State University has developed an innovative water management framework that would take advantage of these forecasts to plan for droughts or excess rain in order to make the most efficient use of an area's water resources.

Nitrogen loss threatens desert plant life, study shows As the climate gets warmer, arid soils lose nitrogen as gas. That could lead to deserts with even less plant life than they sustain today, say the researchers. Non-Malaysian and Indonesian palm oil producers pledge not to develop peatlands for plantations Palm oil producers outside of Malaysia and Indonesia pledged to stop developing new plantations on peatlands, circumventing an impasse that developed between palm oil producers and environmental groups meeting this week at the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil in Kuala Lumpur. Palm oil CO2 targets delayed as planters, NGOs clash Planned palm oil carbon emission targets will be delayed by at least a year as planters clash with NGOs on calculating the vegetable oil's environmental impact. Palm oil lobby group launches public relations push to counter environmental complaints A report released by World Growth International claimed that environmentalists are waging a “morally indefensible” campaign against palm oil. The report accurately highlighted the high productivity of oil palm — the world's highest-yielding commercial oilseed — and noted that the crop has created jobs and driven rural development in Malaysia and Indonesia. Palm planters, buyers and NGOs face off at roundtable The palm oil industry confronts critics and consumers in a meeting in Malaysia as it looks to beef up green standards that already include commitments to preserve rainforests and wildlife. Plan forestación ONU podría amenazar más especies: científicos Un plan de Naciones Unidas para proteger a los bosques tropicales del mundo y luchar contra el cambio climático podría poner en riesgo de extinción a más animales y plantas. Plant experts unveil DNA barcode Hundreds of experts from 50 nations are set to agree on a "DNA barcode" system that gives every plant on Earth a unique genetic fingerprint. The technology will be used in a number of ways, including identifying the illegal trade in endangered species. Proponen crear grandes plantaciones de eucaliptos en el Sahara para combatir el cambio climático Convertir desiertos en bosques. Esta utópica propuesta es la solución que un equipo de biólogos y climatólogos ha presentado para detener el cambio climático. La idea consiste en plantar árboles de crecimiento rápido, como eucaliptos, para cubrir el Sáhara o el desierto australiano. Estas zonas arbóreas estarían regadas por agua de mar, que se trataría en una cadena de plantas desalinizadoras y sería canalizada hacia los bosques por plantas de regadío. Este nuevo manto de árboles crearía lluvias y un microclima propio, a la par que succionaría dióxido de carbono de la atmósfera. Los cálculos del equipo sugieren que los 'desiertos arbolados' podrían retirar aproximadamente 8.000 millones de toneladas de carbono al año, la misma cifra que se emite actualmente a causa de los combustibles fósiles y la deforestación. Rainforests could be traded on world market Why would America's largest coal utility and Britain's biggest oil company invest in protecting a remote plot of Bolivian rainforest? Reducing greenhouse gases may not be enough to slow climate change Policymakers need to address the influence of global deforestation and urbanization on climate change, in addition to greenhouse gas emissions. Réquiem por los árboles Una de las mayores amenazas para la vida del hombre en la Tierra es la deforestación. Desnudar el planeta de sus bosques y de otros ecosistemas como de su suelo, tiene un efecto similar al de quemar la piel de un ser humano. Los bosques ayudan a mantener el equilibrio ecológico y la biodiversidad, limitan la erosión en las cuencas hidrográficas e influyen en las variaciones del tiempo y en el clima. Asimismo, abastecen a las comunidades rurales de diversos productos, como la madera, alimentos, combustible, forrajes, fibras o fertilizantes orgánicos.

Sesame Street goes green at 40 - but warming "too scary" Sesame Street celebrates its 40th anniversary today, but don't look for hot-button issues such as global warming on preschooler-oriented Sesame Street—no matter how many sunny days may be sweeping the clouds away. Global warming and deforestation—those are really adult concepts, and it's just too scary for children. Study finds vital peatlands neglected Draining and burning of the world's peat bogs accounts for about 5.5 percent of global carbon emissions but are currently excluded from governments' climate targets and U.N. talks. Peat stores around twice as much carbon as all the world's trees, but compared with the well-publicized issues of fossil fuels and forests, the sector was the "Cinderella" of climate change policies. Study suggests peat CO2 credits more valuable An Indonesia-based study is showing carbon-rich tropical peat lands trap more greenhouse gases than first thought, driving up their potential value on the carbon market and strengthening the case for their protection. The deep-sea crab that eats trees The crab survives by eating wood that has sunk to the ocean floor, comprising trunks and leaves swept into the sea, as well as the odd shipwreck. Timber harvest impacts amphibians differently during life stages Frogs are croaking in clear-cut forests, but not exactly in their traditional manner. Researchers found that removing all of the trees from a section of the forest had a negative effect on amphibians during their later life cycles, but had some positive effects during amphibians' aquatic larva stages at the beginning of their lives. Transformez donc ces déserts en forêts! Les déserts font peur aux hommes... mais ils sont aussi l’objet de certains rêves qui veulent les transformer en source d’énergie. Après les méga-projets de panneaux solaires, le Sahara pourrait accueillir... un méga-projet de reboisement. Trees in far north provide biggest climate benefit Champions of carbon offsetting may have been barking up the wrong tree. It is generally assumed that the tropics are the best place to plant forests in order to sequester carbon and cool the planet, but a study of the effects of tree planting is casting doubt on this idea. To maximise climate benefits we should be planting trees at higher latitudes, the study suggests. U.N. forest plan could threaten species-scientists A United Nations plan to protect the world's tropical forests to fight climate change could threaten more animals and plants with extinction. Vital peatlands neglected in climate fight-study Draining and burning of the world's peat bogs accounts for about 5.5 percent of global carbon emissions but are currently excluded from governments' climate targets and U.N. talks. Peat stores around twice as much carbon as all the world's trees, but compared with the well-publicised issues of fossil fuels and forests, the sector was the "Cinderella" of climate change policies. Walt Disney s’engage pour protéger les forêts d’Amazonie, de la RD Congo et des Etats-Unis La société Walt Disney a annoncé qu’elle investira 7 millions de dollars dans des projets de sauvegarde de forêts dans le monde qui "perpétueront sa longue histoire de conservation et de gérance de l'environnement". Wet weather put early humans on Europe's doorstep Wet spells in the Sahara may have opened the door for early human migration. According to new evidence, water-dependent trees and shrubs grew there between 120,000 and 45,000 years ago. This suggests that changes in the weather helped early humans cross the desert on their way out of Africa. Without reinstatement of key provision, REDD could subsidize large-scale forest destruction

The elimination of a key provision from the negotiating text for the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation in developing countries (REDD) mechanism could turn the proposed climate change mitigation scheme into a subsidy for large-scale conversion of natural forests to industrial plantations, warned environmentalists. World on course for catastrophic 6° rise, reveal scientists Fast-rising carbon emissions mean that worst-case predictions for climate change are coming true. We are headed for it, the scientists said, because the carbon dioxide emissions from industry, transport and deforestation which are responsible for warming the atmosphere have increased dramatically since 2002, in a way which no one anticipated, and are now running at treble the annual rate of the 1990s. _________________________________________________________________________________ The articles in the news clippings do not reflect the views of FAO and we cannot guarantee their availability on the internet. Les articles des nouvelles coupures ne reflètent pas les points de vue de la FAO, qui ne saurait en garantir la disponibilité sur Internet. Los artículos de los recortes de prensa no representan los puntos de vista de la FAO, y no podemos garantizar su disponibilidad técnica. Newsroom/Salle de presse/Sala de prensa: http://www.fao.org/forestry/newsroom/en/news/index.html To subscribe, send an email to mailserv@mailserv.fao.org, leave the subject blank and then write only the following message in the text: SUBSCRIBE INFOSYLVA-L - YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS. Your information is secure - We will never sell, give or distribute your address or subscription information to any third party - To unsubscribe from this conference in the future, send an email to mailserv@mailserv.fao.org leaving the subject blank and write only the following message in the text: UNSUBSCRIBE INFOSYLVA-L - YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS. When you want to send an email to this conference, send it to the following address: INFOSYLVA-L@mailserv.fao.org Pour vous abonner à INFOSYLVA, il vous suffit d'envoyer un courrier électronique à l'adresse suivante: mailserv@mailserv.fao.org Merci de laisser en blanc le sujet de votre message et d'indiquer dans le message uniquement le texte suivant: SUBSCRIBE INFOSYLVA-L – ADRESSE COURRIER ÉLECTRONIQUE. La sécurité de vos informations est garantie - En aucun cas, votre adresse ou vos données d'abonnés ne sauraient être cédées, vendues ou distribuées à des tiers. - Pour vous désabonner de INFOSYLVA-L, il vous suffit d'envoyer un courrier électronique à l'adresse mailserv@mailserv.fao.org. Merci de laisser en blanc le sujet de votre message et d'indiquer dans le message uniquement le texte suivant:UNSUBSCRIBE INFOSYLVA-L – ADRESSE COURRIER ÉLECTRONIQUE. Si vous êtes intéressé à contribuer à cette liste, veuillez envoyer votre message à: INFOSYLVA-L@mailserv.fao.org Para suscribirse, es necesario mandar el siguiente mensaje sin sujeto a mailserv@mailserv.fao.org : SUBSCRIBE INFOSYLVA-L –SU DIRECCIÓN DE CORREO ELECTRÓNICO. Su información personal está segura - Su dirección o la información de la suscripción no se comunicará, cederá o distribuirá a terceros. - Para dejar de participar en la conferencia en cualquier momento es necesario mandar el siguiente mensaje sin sujeto a mailserv@mailserv.fao.org: UNSUBSCRIBE INFOSYLVA-L – SU DIRECCIÓN DE CORREO ELECTRÓNICO. Para contribuir a la lista, envíe su mensaje a: INFOSYLVA-L@mailserv.fao.org